In 2024, Michigan saw over 6,000 work zone crashes, many caused by drivers making careless choices with deadly consequences. These crashes resulted in 1,065 recorded injuries and 16 deaths.

Understanding why these crashes happen is the first step to avoiding them. Read on to learn the most common causes of work zone incidents and how our Michigan car crash lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve if a careless driver injures you.

Late Merging Creates Dangerous Bottlenecks

One of the most common issues in construction zones is lane reduction. Whether a two-lane highway drops to one lane or multiple freeway lanes merge into fewer, many people wait too long to merge, while others rush ahead to cut the line. Both moves lead to last-second lane changes and abrupt braking.

This hesitation or aggression causes sideswipe crashes, blocked traffic flow, and backups that can trigger chain-reaction collisions.

Tip to avoid it: When you see a sign about lane closures, merge early. Avoid jumping the line or forcing your way in; it’s not worth the risk.

Speeding Through Construction Zones Causes Serious Risk

Speed limits usually drop once you enter a construction zone, typically to 10 mph below the existing limit. Workers, equipment, and uneven pavement require extra caution when navigating. But too many drivers keep their regular speed or only begin to slow down once it’s too late.

This can lead to rear-end accidents when fast-moving traffic suddenly meets a line of stopped or slowing cars with no space or time to react. In 2022, 34% of work zone crashes in the U.S. were speed-related, and 21% were rear-end collisions.

Tip to avoid it: Slow down when you see orange barrels or warning signs. Give yourself more space than usual between cars. Even if no one’s actively working nearby, the road may still have lane shifts, rough pavement, or equipment nearby.

Distractions Behind the Wheel Lead to Devastating Crashes

Most work zone crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Phones, food, maps, and even construction activity can distract your attention from the road in front of you. But in work zones, even a split-second lapse can lead to disaster.

Narrow lanes, cones, equipment, and flaggers leave little room for mistakes. A distracted driver can hit another car, veer into a closed lane, or strike a worker. In 2022, 891 people died in work zone crashes in the United States. While most of those killed were drivers or passengers, 175 were workers who were simply doing their jobs.

Tip to avoid it: Put your phone away and stay focused. Watch for flaggers, cones, signs, and sudden stops. In work zones, even a glance away can end in tragedy.

You may be entitled to compensation if your crash involved a distracted driver. Contact Fieger Law to learn more.

Running Off the Road Is a Common Construction Zone Hazard

Some drivers drift off the pavement in narrow construction zones with altered lanes or missing shoulders. This can happen because they’re speeding, distracted, or misjudging when or where a lane ends. Once a car leaves the designated driving lanes, it can strike barrels, hit barricades, or veer into construction workers’ space.

Some of these crashes are also caused by unclear signage or sudden changes in traffic flow. However, inattentiveness often leads to run-off-road crashes.

Tip to avoid it: Keep both hands on the wheel, follow lane markings closely, and stay centered in your lane. Watch for uneven surfaces or dips that might pull your car out of your lane or off the road.

Low Visibility and Poor Signage Increase Crash Risk

Construction zones sometimes lack clear lighting or signage, especially at night or during bad weather. That makes it harder for drivers to tell where the road goes, which lanes are open, or what speed they should be going.

While road crews are responsible for posting proper signs and signals, drivers must still slow down and proceed carefully.

Tip to avoid it: Drive slower at night or in low visibility. If cones or signs are hard to see, assume you need to drive cautiously. Use your headlights and don’t rely on previous experience alone; construction zones change frequently.

If you were hurt in a work zone accident due to another’s negligence, reach out to Fieger Law. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Where Do Most Work Zone Crashes Happen?

You might think most work zone crashes happen on highways, but that’s not always the case. According to the Federal Highway Administration, many work zone crashes happen closer to home.

Here’s a breakdown from 2022:

  • 405 crashes on arterial roads (main city streets and busy routes)
  • 321 crashes on interstates (highways and freeways)
  • 63 crashes on collectors (streets that connect neighborhoods to bigger roads)
  • 32 crashes on local roads (smaller streets where you might not expect construction at all)

Crashes can happen anywhere, not just on highways. If you were hit in any kind of work zone, Fieger Law can help you understand your legal options.

Injured in a Work Zone Crash? Fieger Law Can Help

Work zone crashes can result in devastating consequences like serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. When a driver ignores the rules of the road or fails to pay attention, you shouldn’t carry the cost of their choices.

At Fieger Law, we take construction zone crashes seriously. We investigate every detail, work with crash experts, and push for maximum compensation. If someone’s negligence has left you injured, let us fight for what you’re owed.

Contact us today for a free consultation.